Federal grant to train advanced practice nurses

The doctor of nursing practice degree (DNP) is generally considered the wave of the future in nursing. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) proposed in 2005 that the DNP would be the standard for advanced practice nursing by 2015.

DNPs also are seen as a possible solution to the shortage of primary care for underserved populations.

The School of Nursing has been awarded a U.S. Department of Health and Human Services grant of $697,890 over two years to provide financial assistance to graduate students matriculating in advanced nursing programs leading to a DNP degree.

Marsha Lewis, dean of the nursing school, says this grant provides a tremendous opportunity for UB Nursing’s adult-gerontology, family and psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner students.

“We anticipate that at least 60 post-BS to DNP students will benefit from these funds as they prepare to become primary care nurse practitioners,” says Lewis.

Rep. Brian Higgins (NY-26) notes that skilled nurses are critical to our nation’s health care system.

“I am grateful that the University at Buffalo has been awarded this funding to help make sure that all students who are dedicated to receiving this advanced training are able to complete their program of study,” he says. “Western New York will benefit greatly from this investment in the long run.”

UB has been offering the DNP program since the summer of 2011 for students with a BS in nursing.

In developing a non-research clinical doctorate, nursing moves in the direction of other health professions, such as medicine (MD), dentistry (DDS), pharmacy (PharmD), psychology (PsyD), physical therapy (DPT) and audiology (AudD).

UB is the only public program in Western New York to admit students to a post-baccalaureate DNP program.